A In the traditionally male-dominated field of architecture, women continue to challenge the status quo and prove their remarkable abilities as visionary designers. Despite historical barriers, numerous women have emerged as trailblazers, reshaping the architectural landscape with their creative brilliance and innovative approaches. Their tenacity and passion have shattered stereotypes, inspiring a new generation of aspiring women architects to fearlessly pursue their dreams and make their mark in this dynamic profession. As a visionary in the world of architecture, Ria has risen to prominence through her exceptional talent and dedication to her craft. Co-founding Elastic Architects, she has led the firm to become a distinguished name in the international architectural and interior design landscape. Her innovative and avant-garde designs have garnered widespread recognition and accolades, reflecting her unwavering commitment to pushing the boundaries of architectural possibilities. Engaging in an idiosyncratic interaction with The Global Women Leader, Ria shares the imperious details of her professional journey, the challenges encountered, and her vision for Elastic Architects. Let’s hear it from her.

How does your prior industry experience shape your contributions to the field of architecture?

My architectural journey commenced with a focus on sports buildings, and this provided me with a platform to unleash my creativity, exploring extravagant forms, and expressing my unique vision. In 2008, a pivotal moment emerged when I encountered and joined the world-renowned Aman Resorts as leading architect, igniting a passion for hospitality architecture. Hospitality, to me, is an art of creating exclusive experiences and precious memories during people's most cherished times – vacations. With this newfound passion, I became obsessed with designing experiences and spaces that resonate with guests and tailor to their every need.

My approach involves understanding every aspect of a location, capturing its beauty, and blending it harmoniously with sculptural architectural designs. This amalgamation of experiences and artistic expressions is what sets our hospitality projects apart, as we design with a profound dedication to the guests, ensuring each space evokes a sense of privilege and uniqueness.

Introduce us to Elastic Architects. What is the underlying vision behind the venture and its key areas of expertise?

Presently, as the co-founder and leader of Elastic Architects since our establishment in 2004, I have overseen our growth from a studio catering to the sports industry, to a prominent player in the hospitality sector. With a talented team of approximately 120 architects and interior designers, we operate across offices in Athens, Toronto, Dubai, London, and Cyprus. Collaborating with esteemed operators such as Aman Resorts, Four Seasons, Banyan Tree, One&Only, Nammos Restaurants and embarking on a new partnership with Rosewood, we undertake remarkable projects across the globe.

Our approach is deeply holistic, with involvement spanning master planning, architecture, interior design, and even custom furniture lines all intended to create an inspiring synthesis that evokes emotion and creates ambiance. Each project we undertake is treated uniquely, as we eschew a standardized design language. We pride ourselves in our ability to handle large-scale mixed-use projects that combine hospitality and residential elements addressing primarily the guest, the place and the surrounding culture. Because of our deep, robust knowledge of the market, hotels approach us to build flagship brands that will differentiate them within a saturated arena of competitors and drive their client’s loyalty.

What are some of the major business challenges you encounter as the leader of Elastic Architects and how do you overcome these roadblocks?

As a leader in the business realm, I am confronted with a diverse array of challenges. On the global stage, we faced considerable obstacles as a fledgling company competing against established giants. To stand out, we dedicated ourselves to performing at our utmost, pouring our hearts and minds into crafting exceptional statement designs that earned our clients' admiration and trust. Despite challenges, including Greece's financial crisis, we persevered, seeking opportunities beyond our borders, and successfully secured projects internationally.

Moreover, another challenge we are up against is the ability to successfully manage our growing talent and resources internally. Architects and designers are, in true essence, artists who have strong faith in the transformative power of design that impacts individual lives and communities as whole. These diverse “artists” treat projects as unique masterpieces that produce immersive experiences, hence, constantly call upon their ingenuity and creativity to create a true difference in the world. Strong, supportive leadership amongst this valuable talent pool is crucial to ensure a creative, empowering culture in which they can flourish towards the thriving growth of the company itself.

"Design is not just about shaping spaces, it's about sculpting experiences that leave an indelible mark on people's lives"

As a woman architect in a predominantly maledominated industry, I have encountered additional hurdles. Nevertheless, I champion diversity and empowerment, actively promoting the presence of women in our office and advocating for their recognition and equal opportunities. While balancing  personal responsibilities, we women strive to exceed expectations, dispelling stereotypes and forging a path toward a more inclusive and visionary architectural landscape.

How do you foresee the global architecture landscape evolving going forward?

In today's global context, architecture has emerged as a captivating and significant undertaking. People increasingly perceive it not only as an art form that expresses their needs but also as a fundamental necessity. Presently, there seem to be two distinct approaches prevailing in the architectural realm. On one hand, there are awe-inspiring and monumental structures that bear the imprints of the architects themselves or the visions of their clients. On the other hand, there exists a more profound group of architects, including ourselves, who prioritize the human expression aspect of architecture. In our work, we strive to create spaces that speak to the very core of the people who inhabit them, fostering a harmonious interplay between artistry and the essence of humanity.

What is the future roadmap that you are heading towards?

In contemplation of my aspirations, I fervently seek to manifest my vision for the future. My ultimate goal is to shape global architectural trends in the realm of hospitality, a quest that is currently underway as we inaugurate our offices in New York. Our passion lies in executing projects worldwide, steadily expanding our team, and enriching our understanding of the world through architectural innovation to become thought leaders and pioneers in the industry. This relentless visionary endeavor fills me with unwavering determination and boundless enthusiasm, devoid of any fatigue or regret.

What defines you as a leader?

Adopting a disrupting, innovative design approach, rooted in the fine art of sculpture, is a quality that, I believe, differentiates me among colleagues. Challenging the conventional and stereotypical perceptions in the field of architecture & design stood as a clear vision and triggered me to become an industry pioneer and a powerful agent of change that would impact women architects globally. With passion, persistence and boldness, I aspire to reach and empower architects to break the boundaries of traditional architecture and attempt a more radical approach that would speak timelessly to people across nations.

Ria Vogiatzi, Co-Founder & CEO, Elastic

Born in Athens and having a background in sculpture, Ria Vogiatzi, studied civil engineering and later pursued her architectural studies at the National Technical University of Athens, as a form of the artistic expression she was always innately seeking. Through architecture, she unlocked a way to manifest her unconventional realm of thinking and in 2005, she co-founded Elastic alongside her husband Alexandros Xenos – a company that has since evolved into a global architectural and interior design powerhouse. Fortune magazine honored Ria as a Trailblazer for her cutting-edge international designs, while she has garnered prestigious awards across America, Europe, and the U.K. for her exceptional contributions to the field.

Awards and Distinctions

Ria was awarded the World Woman Leader of Advanced Architecture by the Who is Who International Awards. She has been announced as Ambassador of Advanced Architecture and was recently awarded as “Architect of the year” by the 100 percent Hotel Design Awards. Her projects have received multiple awards in America, Europe and the UK, and she has given important speeches on architecture internationally. Elastic have received numerous awards such as the International Design Awards (IDA) Los Angeles, German Design Awards, Iconic Awards, the European Design Awards London, and have been featured in media and publications worldwide.